Governor Issues New Texas Rules for Hemp Products

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an executive order directing state agencies to take immediate action to protect children from hemp-derived products. The move comes after the Texas Legislature did not pass a ban on the sale of these products to individuals under 21.

The executive order directs the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase enforcement and implement stricter rules.

According to Governor Abbott, the new order ensures that "kids are kept safe and parents have peace of mind now, and that consumers know the products they purchase are tested and labeled responsibly."

The executive order includes the following directives for state agencies:

DSHS and TABC are to ban sales of hemp products to minors and require government-issued ID verification for all purchases. Failure to comply will result in a retailer losing its license.
DSHS must review and strengthen existing regulations, including testing and labeling requirements, to ensure consumer safety. It will also look at increasing licensing fees to help with enforcement.
DSHS, TABC, and DPS will coordinate with local law enforcement to increase enforcement efforts across the state.

Additionally, TABC, DSHS, and other agencies will conduct a study on a comprehensive regulatory model similar to the one proposed in House Bill 309, which would provide a safe and enforceable system for legal products.

Read the Governor's Executive Order.